More than a dozen oystermen met with Governor Charlie Crist at the state capitol. Pointing to maps and explaining how a reduced flow from the Apalachicola River is already hurting the oyster crop, the group is looking for the Governor to stand up for them when he meets with the governors of Alabama and Georgia over the water flow issue next week. Crist told them he hears what they are saying.
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“We’re gonna fight for you,” the governor said.† “We’re going to make sure that we protect the water that we have a right to have, and that you truly deserve and that your families depend upon.† I get it.† I understand.”†††

State Representative Will Kendrick represents Franklin County in the state legislature. He wants the Governor to tell our neighboring states to start looking further ahead so water isnít short before action is taken before the water runs out.

“It’s not been that big of an issue here in North Florida, but across the state we’ve already put our money where our mouth is,” Kendrick said.† “So, I just hope we would see those other states step up to the plate and institute some conservation measures and not just 30 or 60 days ago realize you’ve only got a 90 to 120 day supply of water and all of a sudden want to cut off the gap.”†

Crist also told the oyster delegation he looks forward to hearing more from the community before his Dec. 11 meeting with governors Purdue and Reilly.